So I promised a blog on my beauty essentials a few months ago...and here it is. I always get asked about products/tools I use in my daily routine. For certain items (mainly mascara), I have done SO MUCH LEG WORK trying out different brands and types. I am quite content with my menagerie at this point, and have even found a mascara I love as well.
Here is a breakdown:
Tangle Teezer brush - I have been reading so many hair care articles, and each one of them stresses how bad it is for your hair to be brushed while wet. Because of how porous and elastic your hair is while wet, brushing it can be very damaging. However the geniuses at Tangle Teezer created a fine bristle brush that is safe to use on BOTH dry and wet hair! Because it doesn't have a handle on it, the brush travels very well too. It fits right into the palm of your hand, so you're not tugging and pulling your hair. I have seen such a great improvement in my hair health since making a few changes, but I think a great deal of it is due to this brush.
Living Proof Hair Care - For the longest time I have been trying product after product, without finding anything that would be a long term solution for my struggle to keep my hair healthy. Between my natural hair structure, and dying my hair blonde, I really put my hair through the ringer. One day while I was in Target, I noticed they started to carry Living Proof (yep, Jennifer Aniston is part owner of the brand, and she has FABULOUS hair), and decided to purchase a couple of items from their PHD (Perfect Hair Day) line. All I can say is WOW! I immediately noticed a difference in my hair. It was bouncier, shinier, and my color was not affected like it so often is if I'm not using a "violet" shampoo (like Shimmer Lights). As time goes by, it has gotten easier and easier to style my hair...it even takes a shorter amount of time to dry and straighten. Before I use any other styling products, I start with their primer. It basically sets up a canvas on your hair to block out dirt and harsh UV rays. As far as my ends specifically go, I use a couple products from the restore line...bye bye fried ends, hello smoothness!
GHD flat iron - another constant struggle has been finding the perfect flat iron. I've tried all brands and types...ceramic, steam, titanium, the list goes on. I started doing some research here and there for a couple months on what other people with similar hair issues were using. I used Chi for the longest time, which was ok (I didn't have their top of the line iron). GHD seemed to have glowing reviews from just about everyone who submitted a review on any site I went on. It's a little pricier than other irons I've had in the past, but with the coupon I had from Ulta, I was able to get it for around the same price I got my Chi 4 years back. It's still not PERFECT, but it comes damn close. I have never had such smooth, healthy looking hair in my life!
Bling ultrasonic toothbrush - I tried the whole "electric" toothbrush deal a few years ago with a battery operated version. I have to say, I wasn't too impressed. It was a tad better than my regular toothbrush, but not worth the extra money and batteries. About a month ago, I saw a Groupon for a real steal (not to mention a handful of different colors to choose from!), so I decided to give it a try since it had a wall charger base with a built-in UV sanitizer, and Manfriend says how much he likes his (he has a different brand though). Turns out, it was a good buy! I like it a lot, it has done a great job keeping my teeth clean and white, and you can't beat the price ($22.99 with a coupon!)!
Bliss skincare - the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is awesome! It deep cleans, exfoliates, and smells great! Another great thing is that it's not drying, yet doesn't leave a gross film on my face. I also like their Lid + Lash wash. It does a good job removing my eye-makeup, and doesn't leave any film behind either. It's pretty neat how you can use it as a sort of little eye mask as well if you put the bottle in the refrigerator. It has an amazing de-puffing effect!
It Cosmetics - I've read a lot of good things from fellow bloggers about this line of cosmetics. There are tons of benefits to using this line, with a lot of the products being "CC" (color correcting) and prevents signs of aging. Honestly, I've never thought too much about age prevention being in my 20s. I like the idea that not only does this line have what I refer to as "beginner" age-combating nutrients, but it also has color-correcting properties of course, and is super light weight. Their brushes are amazing too - they give an airbrushed look without looking fake or overdone. They're super soft and help me apply my makeup in a flash.
Younique 3D Fiber Mascara - this stuff is crazy! I cannot believe how long and voluptuous my lashes are! No need for the painstaking bother of false lashes anymore!
Smashbox Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner - this eyeliner is great for someone, like me, who has issues keeping makeup fresh throughout the day.
NARS cosmetics - blush/bronzer combo: I love having both a bronzer and blush in the same compact. It's super convenient, and the colors complement each other very well; eyeshadow: my favorite duo is called Charade, it's a pretty icy purple with light pink highlight; love how they make my green eyes pop.
Bobbi Brown eyeshadows - I love the beautiful neutral colors offered. My favorites are Hot Stone and Steel.
Shisedo eyelash curler - I chose this one over the famous Shu Uemura curler a good ten years ago, and I still love it.
That wraps up my beauty essentials...I'm so glad I've finally found reliable products which actually do what they say they will do! I'm definitely a happy camper!
Enjoy!
L
